Our History

The story of Cwmbran RFC begins in November 1880 when a team revelling in the name of Pontnewydd Wanderers took the field to play a home match against neighbouring Oakfield. Over the next ten or so years, the team underwent numerous name changes including Pontnewydd Stars, Pontnewydd Rovers and Pontnewydd Black Watch but in August 1892 the name of Pontnewydd RFC was adopted together with the familiar black and white hooped shirts.

Building on the experience of that first decade, Pontnewydd assembled an impressive list of fixture that included matches against Ebbw Vale, Bridgend, Pntypridd and Plymouth. They helped create the new Monmouthshire League , becoming champions in 1899.

With the club continuing to develop, many of their players represented the Monmouthshire League team and a number were attracted to play for Pontypool and Newport, and winning international caps from there. A few even moved north to join professional Rugby League clubs like Warrington.